Kaiam Corporation, a leader in hybrid Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology, will demonstrate their 40Gb/s CWDM QSFP+ ER4 transceiver with 40km reach at OFC/NFOEC 2013 in Anaheim, CA, booth #1246. The QSFP+ transceiver has all the functionality of four DML-based SFP+s on a CWDM grid, and also includes a first stage wavelength multiplexer and de-multiplexer. The module is approximately one third the size of four individual SFP+s and a fraction of the cost, thus saving system integrators both space and expense. The optical engines for such transceivers, or complete transceivers are available as samples today, with volume production planned for August 2013.

The Kaiam MEMS-based hybrid integration technology allows for the fabrication of dense multi-function modules using generally available tested die. The critical optical alignment and attachment between the components is achieved through silicon micro-mechanics, the Kaiam patented integration engine technology. Any combination of functions can be readily obtained with a wide menu of appropriate subcomponents. Kaiam currently supplies the optical engines for standard 10km QSFP+ modules to transceiver vendors and is qualified and shipping to tier-1 customers. The higher performance obtained through this advanced packaging technology, together with higher sensitivity APDs in the receiver, allows Kaiam to extend the reach of its optical engines to 40km.

Thomas Schrans, Ph.D., Vice President of Engineering and Product Development for Kaiam commented, “For many applications, CWDM SFP+s are just too big in size and costly. The Company’s QSFP+ modules, on the other hand, add four channels at a time with higher density and at lower cost. These modules leverage the Kaiam integration engine technology resulting in superior alignment and attachment processes. This allows 40km QSFP+ modules to meet the higher optical output power for the upcoming 802.3bm standard for 40km reach."

"Data center equipment makers prefer to have all reaches in a common form factor and they strongly prefer small modules for density. For 40G Ethernet, QSFP+ is the form factor of choice but 40km 40GBASE-ER4 has not been possible in this size," remarked Dale Murray, Principal Analyst, LightCounting Market Research. "Kaiam MEMS-based hybrid integration technology provides the compact integration needed to fill this gap."

About Kaiam Corporation
Headquartered in Newark, California, Kaiam Corporation is a private company commercializing photonic integrated circuits. Founded by leading technologists from the optical networking industry, the team has a record of delivering breakthrough products that change the rules of the marketplace. Kaiam is working with several partners to deliver PIC-based products for high bandwidth applications. For more information, visit www.kaiamcorp.com.